A 48" T5HO bulb consumes 54 watts and a 48" VHO does about 110 watts. T5 HOs are more efficient at putting out lumens of light, which is what we are after. They also run cooler and last much longer...probably twice as long.

If you are asking which is better there is no grey area here. T5 HOs are better hands down. VHO should be considered old school technology now.